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Are You Living In Circumstances?

A group of seniors were sitting at a table together at morning coffee, discussing their ailments.

“My arms have gotten so weak I can hardly lift this cup of coffee,” said one.

“Yes, I know,” said another. “My cataracts are so bad; I can’t even see my coffee.”

“I couldn’t even mark an ‘X’ at election time because my hands are so crippled,” volunteered a third.

“What? Speak up! What? I can’t hear you,” said one elderly lady.

“I can’t turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck,” said one of the old folks, to which several nodded weakly in agreement.

“My blood pressure pills make me so dizzy!” exclaimed another.

“I forget where I am, and where I’m going,” said another.

“I guess that’s the price we pay for getting old,” winced an old man, as he slowly shook his head. The others nodded in agreement.

“Well, count your blessings,” said one woman cheerfully. “Thank God we can all still drive.”

So what is the formula to creating a prosperous and successful company (and in-turn building Tama County’s economy)? Is it everyone having a prestigious college degree . . . developing a great product or service that everyone must have . . . or is it possessing a highest IQ? Simply put, no. The winning formula comes from a football coach. Former Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano, was diagnosed with leukemia during the 2012 season. Visiting the Colts locker room following a win over the Miami Dolphins, Chuck delivered this heart-wrenching speech to his team that explains the correct formula.

“I mentioned before the game that you guys were living in a vision, and you weren’t living in circumstances,” Pagano said. “Because you know where (the pundits) had us in the beginning — every last one of them.

“But you refused to live in circumstances, and you decided consciously, as a team and as a family, to live in a vision. And that’s why you bring things home like you brought things home today. That’s why you’re already champions, and well on your way.

“I’ve got circumstances — you guys understand it, and I understand it. And my vision that I’m living is to see two more daughters get married, dance at their weddings, and then hoist that Lombardi (Trophy) several times. “I’m dancing at two more weddings, and we’re hoisting that trophy together, men.”

I believe he is right. The secret to winning whether in football, business or life is to live in the vision, not the circumstances. As we continue to work on Tama County’ economy let’s all embrace this concept so we can build a winning economy.